New Ways Of Treating Alzheimer’s

November 2, 2011

Several potential drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s have worked well on mice but none of them on humans. A leading researcher from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, is now launching brand new methods for diagnosing Alzheimer’s and monitoring treatment.

Research advances in recent years have given us a detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease. The spotlight has fallen on beta amyloid, a peptide formed from a special protein in the brain. The prevailing hypothesis is that the protein clumps together into plaques, which damage the brain’s nerve cells and causes the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

The amyloid theory has spawned a large number of potential drugs which attempt to delay the development of the disease by slowing down the formation of, or even clearing, plaques. However, several major clinical trials have shown that this type of medication is not at all effective.

Kaj Blennow, a professor at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy and one of the world’s leading dementia researchers, is now taking research into new Alzheimer’s medication in a brand new direction.

“It’s important that we constantly question research results, including in Alzheimer’s research,” says Blennow. “And to do this we have to come up with new analytical methods.”

Blennow and his research colleagues believe that the solution lies in being able to test different drugs directly on living patients instead of on mice as has been the case to date.

“The mouse models currently being used have a very tenuous link to the most common form of Alzheimer’s,” says Blennow. “This is particularly obvious when new drug candidates are tested on real people we have now identified over 100 molecules that reduce the formation of plaques in mice with Alzheimer’s, but unfortunately none have led to a single drug that slows down the illness in humans.”

Blennow and his research colleagues at the Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory are trying instead to come up with new analytical methods that use biomarkers to monitor biochemical changes in patients with Alzheimer’s. It is hoped that the biomarkers can be used both to make an accurate and early diagnosis and to establish and monitor the effects of new drugs.

“Our studies on patients with Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders would suggest that beta-amyloid is perhaps not the direct cause of the illness, but instead the brain’s response to different types of stress,” says Blennow. “This could completely change the way we view the illness and could play a crucial role in future treatments.”

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Source: University of Gothenburg. Visit our alzheimer’s / dementia section for the latest news on this subject

.

Related

The Facts

As of 2014, there are an estimated 44 million people worldwide who are living with dementia, and this number is expected to increase to 135 million by 2050.

Search This Site

2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

Download the new report from the Alzheimer's Association here. Everyone with a brain is at risk. Share the facts.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know?

Get this very useful and free report from the National Institute on Aging.

Need Help Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s?

Get this excellent, free guide from the National Institutes on Health here.

Alzheimer’s Disease is Life Changing

Find an Alzheimer's caregiver support group near you from the Alzheimer's Association.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: It’s Just Not Forgetfulness

Get the free and informative report from the BrightFocus Foundation.

Starting the Conversation . . .

. . about Health, Legal, Financial and
End-of-Life Issues with a Loved One. Please click here for a helpful brochure from Eldercare.gov.

Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet

Check out the "Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet" from the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center.

U.S. National Plan To Fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Read about the plan here.

Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer’s

Get this free primer on Alzheimer’s disease from the National Institutes of Health.

Who's Blogging?

Jennifer Gerhold is an Alzheimer's advocate, writer, psychologist, and avid caregiver supporter from Washington state. She posts information about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias from around the world.

44 Million People in the World have Dementia Today

Every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's disease. Fight back by being informed! Your Loved ones will thank you for it.

Need Some Ideas for the Weekend?

101 fun things to do with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matters

Read about the 10 signs of AD from the Alzheimer's Association.

Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges. Get this free guide from the Family Caregiver Alliance. It will help.

After the Diagnosis of Dementia . . .

. . . What Happens Next? Read first-hand accounts, find support groups, learn about services, and much more from the National Institutes of Health.

Food that is Good for You and Your Brain

I Hear a Lot About the Mediterranean Diet, But What is It?

Caregiver Stress Check

Caregiving can be stressful. Take the Caregiver Stress Check from alz.org and get resources that can help.

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

Great info from the BrightFocus Foundation for those with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Room by-room suggestions for creating a safer space from the NIH.

Get Started Today on a Better You

A simple and easy exercise program just for you from the National Institute on Aging. Try it out - you may like it.